When the MLS and the Players Union meet this week to resume contract negotiations they will be joined by George H. Cohen, director of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service. ESPN discusses this possible “glimmer of hope.”
Peter Nowak discusses the upcoming third stage of pre-season training. Focusing on tactics, the third stage will include the Union’s first game against MLS opposition when they play FC Dallas on Sunday in Tampa.
Michael Orozco discusses how motivated he is to play for the Union.
Philadelphia Magazine asks if soccer can save Chester.
A Manchester City blog speculates on possible interest in the Union from City’s owners. Emphasis on ‘speculates’.
Independence goalkeeper Mallori Lofton-Malachi played her high school soccer at Central.
The Independence announces its preseason roster. US national team members who were in Portugal for the Algarve Cup will start training with the team today. In a controlled scrimmage on Sunday, the Independence lost 1-2 to Rutgers.
The Daily News talks with Independence goalie Mallori Lofton-Malachi, who grew up in Philadelphia.
The Independence partner with the Delaware Youth Soccer Association.
The Drexel women’s soccer team signs eight new players.
Following his terrific home finale at Goodison Park, rumors emerge that Chelsea is interested in acquiring Landon Donovan over the summer for £10m. The report says that Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti “believes Donovan would fit perfectly into a front three with Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka.” Crikey!
ESPN has announced its television commentators for the World Cup. J. P. Dellacamera and John Harkes are out, to be replaced by veteran English commentators Ian Darke, Adrian Healey, Derek Rae and Martin Tyler. Dellacamera, who will call Union games this season, will still announce the World Cup games on ESPN radio where he will be joined by, shudder, Tommy Smith.
The Guardian reports that sources claim that Sir Alex Ferguson is supportive of the Red Knights, the consortium that is attempting to buy Manchester United from the Glazers.
Donovan to Chelsea? Awesome for him and for American soccer…but it’s Chelsea. Goddammit! How will I be able to hate them with the same purity of malice if an American is playing for them?
The whole thing smells of typical British tabloid rumor nonsense but I had the same reaction: does this mean I might have to like Chelsea even a little bit?